by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist

Shawn Kirchner has recently become a composer name that I am especially excited to see come across my desk. His Choral writing is strongly influenced by folk traditions around the world, as evident in both his arrangements and original compositions, which are equally compelling.

A composer/arranger, singer/songwriter, and pianist active in the Music circles of Los Angeles, Kirchner’s choral works are performed throughout the world. His appointment in 2012 as the LA Master Chorale’s Swan Family Composer in Residence was the culmination of an ongoing creative relationship with music director Grant Gershon, resulting in numerous commissions and premieres at LA’s Disney Hall. Kirchner has also collaborated with and/or written for many leading choral ensembles across the country, including Conspirare, Santa Fe Desert Chorale, Lorelei Ensemble, San Diego Master Chorale, Los Robles Master Chorale, and the Atlanta Master Chorale.

Stanton’s Recommends: Unclouded Day, Weevily Wheat, Sweet Rivers, I Will Arise and Go, Cornerstone, Wana Baraka

About the Author:
Jen Sper has been with Stanton’s since 2006. A former middle school and high school choral director, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College Conservatory of Music. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, she also enjoys good food, running (to counteract the good food…) and the Muppets.